FAQs

decisions through clear, personalised advice. Whether you’re planning for retirement, investing for the future or looking to protect your wealth, we’ll work with you to create a financial plan that’s built around your goals. We believe financial planning should give you clarity and confidence, not confusion. That’s why we take the time to get to know you and provide ongoing support as your life and priorities change.

At Logic Financial Services, we believe financial planning is about people, not products—and that good advice should improve your life, not simply grow your wealth. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions, we take time to understand what matters most to you, both now and in the future.

Our approach is informed by our Managing Director’s doctoral research into behavioural finance and financial wellbeing. A key part of this is our 30-year exercise, which asks you to imagine looking back on your life three decades from now: what would make you feel happy and proud, and what might no longer seem important?

As a Chartered Financial Planning firm, we translate those insights into clear, evidence-based advice and a personalised long-term plan. By building an ongoing relationship with you, we help ensure your money supports your wellbeing, choices and the life you genuinely want to live.

Chartered status is awarded by the Chartered Insurance Institute and signals technical competence and a public commitment to professional standards, ethical conduct and ongoing development. It applies to the firm as a whole; individual adviser qualifications are explained separately so you can see who will advise you and in which areas. Official reference: CII: Chartered firms.

Yes. Logic Financial Services provides independent financial advice, so our recommendations are not limited to one provider or an in-house range. We assess suitable solutions from the relevant market based on your needs, objectives, tax position, capacity for loss and attitude to risk.

Our independence also allows us to keep the relationship advice-led rather than product-led. Where appropriate, we can agree to charge simply for our professional time and expertise, without requiring you to purchase or change a financial product. This means you can receive objective advice, analysis or a second opinion even when the best outcome is to retain your existing arrangements or take no immediate action.

Yes. Logic Financial Services Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under firm reference number 627030. You can verify the firm and its current permissions on the FCA Financial Services Register before taking advice. Official reference: FCA register: Logic Financial Services, FRN 627030.

Our main office is at Bank Chambers, Hill Road, Watlington, Oxfordshire OX49 5AB. We also have access to meeting facilities in central London, advisers based on the south coast and in the south west, and we work with clients across the UK through a combination of in-person and secure online meetings.

The majority of our advisers are Chartered Financial Planners. Chartered status requires qualifications above the minimum level needed to practise, together with continuing professional development and adherence to professional standards. We will confirm the qualifications and permissions of the adviser assigned to your work.

Our clients are typically individuals, families and business owners who want to make the most of their finances and have confidence in their future. Many come to us during important life stages, such as planning for retirement, managing investments, protecting their wealth or preparing for significant financial decisions. We work with people who value clear, personalised advice and want a long-term relationship with a financial planner they can trust. Everyone’s circumstances and goals are different, which is why we take the time to understand what matters most to you before creating a plan that’s right for you.

There is no absolute minimum investment requirement, but our ongoing planning service is generally best suited to people with around £300,000 or more to invest or manage, or with financial affairs that justify comprehensive advice. We will tell you openly after an initial conversation if a different service would be more proportionate.

Yes. We’ll take the time to understand your current arrangements, review your existing plans and discuss why moving to Logic Financial Services is the right decision for you. If you decide to become a client, we’ll guide you through the process and make the transition as straightforward and hassle-free as possible.

Your first meeting is an opportunity for us to get to know you, understand what’s important to you and explore how we may be able to help. We’ll discuss your current financial position, your goals for the future and any challenges or decisions you may be facing. It’s also a chance for you to ask questions and understand how we work. There’s no pressure to make decisions straight away. The aim is simply to start a conversation and show you that we’re the right fit for you.

Bring whatever you have about your income, spending, savings, investments, pensions, debts and protection policies, plus photographic identification. A recent statement for each major arrangement is useful. Do not delay the meeting if something is missing: we will give you a clear checklist and explain how to obtain anything else we need.

We begin by understanding your goals and current position. If we agree to proceed, you receive a Letter of Engagement setting out scope and charges. We then gather information, research your options, prepare and present a personalised report, agree any recommendations, implement them with your consent and, where appropriate, establish an ongoing review service.

We usually aim to present initial advice within about three weeks after receiving the information and provider details we need. Complex pensions, trusts, tax matters or slow provider responses can extend that timetable. We will set expectations at the outset and tell you promptly if anything is likely to delay the work.

We can provide advice based on your individual needs, but we believe the greatest value often comes from building a long-term relationship with our clients. Financial planning isn’t something that should be done once and forgotten. As your life changes, your goals, circumstances and priorities may change too. Ongoing planning allows us to review your situation regularly and make sure your financial plan continues to support what matters most to you.

We normally hold a formal review at least once a year for ongoing clients, with the exact schedule agreed as part of your service. You can also contact us between reviews if a material change or time-sensitive decision means the plan should be considered sooner.

Yes; indeed, we actively encourage it. Important financial questions and decisions rarely wait for a scheduled review. Whenever your circumstances change, an opportunity arises or you need financial guidance, please contact us. We would much rather be involved early, when we can help you understand your options and make an informed decision, than hear about it after action has already been taken.

Your Letter of Engagement gives the exact charge before any paid work begins. Under the current fee schedule, the planning fee is subject to a minimum of £2,750 plus VAT. Where recommendations are implemented, the initial fee is normally 1% of the portfolio value, capped at £25,000; annuity work may be charged differently. We will confirm which basis applies and show the fee in pounds before you commit.

Ongoing fees depend on the service level and will be shown in pounds and percentages before you agree. The agreement should explain what is included, how often reviews take place, how charges are deducted and how to cancel. We currently offer two service levels, Logic Loyalty and Logic Partners; we will recommend only the level that fits the support you need.

We handle personal and financial information under data-protection law and use controlled processes for collection, storage, access and sharing. We use information only for legitimate purposes connected with your service and share it only where authorised or legally required. Our privacy notice explains your rights, retention periods and how to raise a concern.

Eligible clients can use Logic’s secure client portal to view selected financial information, store documents and communicate with us. The features available can change as the service develops, so we will explain the current portal, security steps and any information that still needs to be obtained directly from a provider.

Please contact us first so we can investigate and try to resolve the issue. Our written complaints procedure explains who to contact, response times and when you may be able to refer a complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service. Eligibility for Financial Services Compensation Scheme protection depends on the product and circumstances; we will explain the relevant position rather than implying that every loss is covered. Official reference: FCA Financial Services Register.

Financial advice often focuses on specific areas, such as choosing an investment or pension product. Financial planning takes a wider view by looking at your overall circumstances, goals and the future you want to achieve. At Logic Financial Services, we believe the best advice starts with understanding you as a person. We’ll look at how all areas of your finances work together to create a clear and personalised plan. Our aim is to help you make confident decisions that support your wider life goals.

Financial planning helps you understand where you are today, where you want to be in the future and the steps needed to get there. It’s about more than just investments and pensions, it’s about creating a clear plan that reflects your goals, priorities and the lifestyle you want to achieve. By taking a structured approach, we can help you make confident decisions, prepare for life’s changes and have greater clarity about your financial future.

It’s common to have several financial goals at the same time, from saving for retirement to supporting your family or investing for the future. We’ll help you prioritise what’s most important, taking into account your timescales, resources and personal circumstances. By creating a clear plan, you can work towards multiple goals in a way that’s realistic, balanced and aligned with your long-term objectives.

Yes. We work with business owners who want to make confident decisions about both their personal and business finances. Running a business often means balancing many competing priorities, from planning for growth and protecting your income to preparing for the future and eventually considering your exit strategy. We can help you understand how your business fits into your wider financial plan. By taking the time to understand your ambitions, we can provide advice that supports both your business objectives and your personal financial goals.

Yes. We work with individuals and families to help them make informed financial decisions and plan for the future. Whether you’re looking to build wealth, support the next generation, plan for retirement or protect your family’s financial wellbeing, we can help you create a strategy that reflects your shared goals and priorities. We understand that financial planning often involves more than one person, which is why we take a collaborative approach and ensure everyone involved has a clear understanding of the plan and the decisions being made.

Pause before making irreversible decisions. We can help you review tax, debt, cash reserves, short- and long-term goals, investment risk and whether gifts or pension contributions are appropriate. We may work with your solicitor and accountant where probate, trusts or tax advice is required. The right approach depends on the assets inherited and your wider circumstances.

Yes. Major life events often bring important financial decisions, and having a financial plan can help you navigate them with confidence. Whether you’re changing career, getting married, starting a family, receiving an inheritance or preparing for retirement, we’ll help you understand the impact on your finances and adapt your plan accordingly. Our role is to provide guidance and reassurance whenever life takes an unexpected turn.

Yes. We can help you understand cash flow, pensions, investments, protection needs and the long-term effect of possible settlement options. We do not replace legal advice or value every asset ourselves, so we normally work alongside your family lawyer, accountant or pension specialist. Advice is most useful before you make irreversible financial decisions. Official reference: MoneyHelper: choosing a financial adviser.

Yes. Later-life planning can bring together potential care costs, available income, investments, property, benefits, powers of attorney and estate wishes. Logic has advisers who hold SOLLA Later Life Adviser Accreditation, providing specialist knowledge and experience in the financial issues that can arise in later life.

Care-funding rules vary across the UK and can change over time, so we will establish which rules apply to your circumstances and, where appropriate, work alongside your solicitor and other professional advisers. Official reference: MoneyHelper: choosing a financial adviser.

Yes. We have extensive experience helping business owners prepare for significant and complex exits. Good exit planning brings together business value, personal cash flow, pensions, investments, tax, protection, succession and the life you want to lead after the sale. Starting early gives you more time and more options.

We can model the level of sale proceeds needed to support your future, identify potential gaps and help structure your personal financial plan around the transaction. Through Logic Accounting, we can provide joined-up financial planning and accountancy support, or work collaboratively with your existing accountant, corporate-finance adviser and solicitor, with each professional’s responsibilities kept clear.

There’s no perfect age to start financial planning, the best time is whenever you’re ready to think about your future. Whether you’re just beginning your career, growing your family, running a business or approaching retirement, having a financial plan can help you make better-informed decisions. Starting earlier often gives you more options, but it’s never too late to take control of your finances and plan for the future.

Understanding whether you’re saving enough for retirement depends on your goals, lifestyle expectations and the income you’ll need in the future. We’ll help you look at your pensions, savings, investments and other sources of income to build a clearer picture of where you stand. If there are gaps, we can help you understand what steps you could take to get closer to the retirement you want.

The amount you need is personal to you and begins with understanding what you actually want your retirement to look like. Through conversations such as our 30-year exercise, we explore the experiences, relationships, activities and sense of purpose you want your money to support—not simply a target income or pension value.

We then consider your likely spending, retirement date and available income from pensions, investments and other assets. This allows us to build a realistic financial plan around the life you want to lead and give you greater confidence that your resources can support it.

We do not begin with a retirement age – we begin by understanding what you want to retire to. Through conversations such as our 30-year exercise, we explore how you want to spend your time, what you would like to experience and whether retirement means stopping work completely, reducing your hours or simply making work optional.

We then assess whether your pensions, savings, investments and other income can support that life, both now and over the long term. By modelling different scenarios, we can show you what may be possible, the choices involved and what could bring retirement closer. The goal is not simply to identify a date, but to give you the confidence and flexibility to retire on your terms.

Yes. Retirement planning often involves balancing two sets of pensions, savings, goals and expectations, so it’s important to look at the bigger picture together. We’ll help you understand how your finances work as a couple and create a plan that supports the retirement lifestyle you both want. By planning together, you can make informed decisions with confidence and ensure your finances continue to support your shared future.

Sometimes, but consolidation is not automatically better. We compare charges, investment options, administration and service against any guarantees, protected tax-free cash, exit penalties or valuable scheme benefits you could lose. Defined benefit pensions and safeguarded benefits need particular care. We recommend a transfer only when the evidence supports it for your circumstances.

Yes. Many people build up several pensions throughout their working life, particularly if they’ve changed employers or careers. We can review your pensions; help you understand what you have and assess whether any changes could improve how they work together as part of your wider retirement plan. We can also give advice on if consolidation of your pensions is best for you. Our aim is to give you clarity and confidence, helping you make informed decisions about your pension arrangements.

Yes. We have Pension Transfer Specialist advisers who can help you understand your final salary or defined benefit pension within the context of your wider retirement plan. Because these pensions often provide valuable guaranteed income and other benefits, transferring is not suitable for many people and requires particularly careful consideration.

Where a formal transfer analysis or transfer recommendation is appropriate, we refer that specialist element of the advice to an external firm with dedicated pension-transfer permissions and expertise. We then work alongside that firm, helping ensure the advice remains connected to your long-term goals, income needs and overall financial plan.

Pension drawdown lets you keep a defined contribution pension invested while taking a flexible income. Withdrawals can be changed, but investment returns and the rate of withdrawal affect how long the fund may last. Drawdown has tax, sequencing and longevity risks, so it should be planned alongside other income and reviewed regularly.

An annuity converts some or all of a pension pot into guaranteed income, usually for life. It can provide certainty, while drawdown offers more flexibility and investment exposure. Health, age, inflation protection, dependant benefits and prevailing rates all matter. We can compare the options and whether a combination is more suitable than choosing only one.

Understanding how your different sources of retirement income work together is an important part of retirement planning. We’ll help you look at your State Pension alongside workplace pensions, private pensions, savings and investments to create a clear picture of your future income. By bringing everything together, we can help you understand your options and build a retirement plan that works for you.

Creating a sustainable retirement income involves understanding your spending needs, income sources, investments and future plans. We’ll help you build a strategy that considers your pensions, savings and investments, while considering factors such as inflation, market changes and unexpected events. Our goal is to create a retirement income plan that gives you confidence, flexibility and the ability to enjoy the retirement you’ve worked towards.

Yes. A key part of retirement planning is making sure your income and investments are managed sustainably over the long term. We’ll help you understand how much you can reasonably spend, how your assets can support your lifestyle and how different decisions may affect your future. By regularly reviewing your plan, we can help you adapt to changes and give you greater confidence throughout retirement.

Pension withdrawals, State Pension, earnings, savings interest, dividends and rental income can interact. Some pension withdrawals may be tax-free, while the balance is normally taxable as income. We can model the order and timing of withdrawals, but tax rules and allowances change, so current figures should be checked and complex tax work coordinated with an accountant.

Most people can currently access a private pension from age 55; the normal minimum pension age is due to rise to 57 on 6 April 2028. Exceptions can apply for ill health or a protected pension age. Access does not mean it is sensible to withdraw immediately, so we assess tax, longevity and investment consequences first. Official reference: MoneyHelper: pension access age.

Every investment portfolio we recommend is built around your individual circumstances, goals and attitude to risk. We don’t believe the same investment solution is right for everyone. We’ll consider factors such as your investment timeframe, financial objectives and capacity for risk before recommending a suitable strategy. Our aim is to create a well-balanced portfolio that supports your long-term financial plan and gives you confidence in your investment decisions.

Understanding your attitude to risk is an important part of creating a financial plan that’s right for you. We’ll take the time to understand how comfortable you are with different levels of investment risk, as well as your goals, timescales and financial circumstances. Risk isn’t just about how you feel about investments going up and down, it’s also about ensuring your financial plan is realistic and sustainable and as a result we ask you to fill in an attitude to risk questionnaire in your initial meeting. This questionnaire allows us to assess the level of risk you are willing to take so that our financial advice is well-suited for you.

Capacity for loss is the financial effect that a fall in investment value would have on your standard of living and goals. It is different from how comfortable you feel about risk. We assess both, together with time horizon and cash needs, so a portfolio does not rely on taking more risk than your plan can withstand.

Yes. If you already have investments, we can review your existing portfolio to see whether it remains suitable for your goals, attitude to risk and current circumstances. We’ll look at how your investments fit within your wider financial plan and identify whether any changes may be beneficial. Our focus is on ensuring your investments continue to support your long-term objectives, rather than recommending change for the sake of it.

Yes. Whether you’ve received an inheritance, a bonus, the proceeds from a property sale or simply have savings you’d like to invest, we can help you understand your options. We’ll take the time to understand what you want your money to achieve, how long you’re investing for and how much risk you’re comfortable taking before making any recommendations. Our aim is to create an investment strategy that fits your wider financial plan and helps you make the most of your money.

Yes. ISAs can be a useful way to invest tax-efficiently, and we can help you understand whether they form part of the right strategy for your circumstances. We’ll look at your wider financial position, your goals and your investment timeframe before recommending any approach. Rather than focusing on individual products, we’ll help you understand how different options fit into your overall financial plan and long-term objectives.

Yes. If investing in a way that reflects your personal values is important to you, we can discuss ethical and responsible investment options. We’ll take the time to understand what matters most to you and explore how your investment choices can align with your beliefs while still considering your financial goals. Our approach is always personal, ensuring your investments reflect both your objectives and your priorities.

Investment values can fall as well as rise, and you may get back less than you invest. We design the portfolio around your goals, time horizon and capacity for loss, then review whether a market fall changes the plan. Selling simply because prices have fallen can crystallise losses, but staying invested is not automatically right if your circumstances or assumptions have changed.

Diversification spreads exposure across different investments, sectors, regions and asset types so the plan is not dependent on one outcome. It cannot prevent loss, but it can reduce concentration risk. The appropriate mix depends on your goals, time horizon, tax wrappers and capacity for loss rather than a standard model.

Charges reduce the return available to support your goals, and their effect compounds over time. We show advice, platform, product and fund costs clearly, explain what you receive for each charge and include them in projections. Lowest cost is not always best, but every charge should be understood and justified by the service or outcome it supports.

Whether you need life insurance depends on your personal circumstances, financial commitments and the people who rely on you. We’ll take the time to understand your situation and help you decide whether life insurance could provide valuable financial protection for your loved ones. If it’s appropriate, we’ll recommend cover that fits your needs as part of your wider financial plan.

Income protection insurance is designed to provide a regular income if you’re unable to work because of illness or injury. It can help cover essential living costs and provide financial reassurance while you focus on your recovery. We’ll help you understand how income protection works and whether it’s appropriate for your circumstances as part of your overall financial planning.

Yes. Protecting your family’s financial future is an important part of financial planning, whatever stage of life you’re at. We’ll help you consider areas such as financial protection, retirement planning, investments and estate planning to ensure your loved ones are provided for if circumstances change. By taking a long-term approach, we can help you build a plan that provides reassurance for both you and your family.

Yes. We can model potential inheritance-tax exposure and consider investments, pensions, gifts, trusts, insurance and spending plans in the context of your own financial security. We do not draft wills or legal documents, and tax treatment depends on individual circumstances, so we work with solicitors and tax advisers where specialist legal or tax advice is needed.

Lifetime gifts can help family members sooner and may form part of estate planning, but they can reduce your own flexibility and create tax, control or care-fee considerations. We model what you can afford, keep appropriate records and coordinate with legal and tax advisers before recommending gifts or trust arrangements.

Be cautious about unsolicited contact, pressure to act quickly, unusual payment instructions and promises of guaranteed or unusually high returns. Verify firms and individuals independently on the FCA Register and contact us through known details before transferring money. Logic will not object if you pause to check an instruction that appears to come from us. Official reference: FCA Financial Services Register.

Tell us what would make the process easier. We can consider slower-paced meetings, a trusted person attending with appropriate authority, clearer summaries, extra time, accessible formats or another reasonable adjustment. We will record only the information needed to provide suitable support and will review the arrangement as your needs change.

Yes. We can model how one-off gifts, regular donations or gifts through your estate affect cash flow, tax and legacy goals. The best structure depends on the charity, asset and timing. We will coordinate with your solicitor or tax adviser if a trust, will provision or specialist tax treatment is involved.